​A rod one step above the NRX? The new collaboration rod between Shimano and G. Loomis is coming soon to a Shimano retailer near you. The rod actions are to precise G. Loomis specifications, while Shimano makes the blanks in Japan using Spiral X and Hi-Power X technology. The rod is then assembled in America at the G. Loomis factory.

Happiness is 3 simple things. Day off work, Perfect Weather, Fish are biting.

​Pike is the ideal ambush predator––hiding in shallow cover waiting to dart out and inhale passing prey. They remain extremely active all summer, and targeting them can be a blast as their aggression is unmatched. Pike are commonly found in shallow, weedy bays, along grass lines, and in backwaters out of current. Pike fishing is especially productive using spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, and swimbaits. Summer bluegills are a top food source for pike, particularly when they move off beds to find food and cover in weedy areas. Jackall makes an excellent bluegill imitator––the Gantarell. It is a durable, hard-bodied swimbait with extra strong hooks made for catching big fish.

​Ingredients: 

•    2 (8 ounce) shark steaks 

•    2 cups milk 

•    1 tablespoon lemon juice 

•    sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 


Directions: 

1. Place the shark steaks in a shallow dish and pour milk over them to cover. Let stand for 2 hours or refrigerate overnight. 

2. Prepare a grill for medium-high heat. Remove the shark steaks from the pan and pat dry. Discard leftover milk. Season the steaks with lemon juice, sea salt and pepper. 

3. Grill the steaks until meat is firm, about 15 minutes, turning once. Fish should appear white all the way through.

​Bass are most predictable this time of year, as their patterns are most stable. After the spawn, bass feed in two different ways, either hunkering down in cover to ambush prey, or schooling together and chasing down baitfish. Shallow bass ambushing prey stay put until their food source depletes, so fishing shallow is a game of finding high percentage areas with plenty of forage. Schooling bass can be difficult to catch, because they are constantly on the move chasing prey; but on the flip side, these fish are easier to catch once thy are located, as they are less pressured and less wary of artificial baits.